Entries in Gil Cates
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Toby Canham/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) -- Producer Gilbert Cates, a man whose name is nearly synonymous with the modern Academy Awards telecast, has died.

Cates, who produced 14 shows over 18 years between 1990 and 2008, was found Monday evening on UCLA's campus, but emergency personnel were unable to revive him, according to a statement from the university. Cates was the Founding Dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and was a professor there as well. He was 77.

In a statement, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak said of Cates, "He was a consummate professional who gave the Academy and the world some of the most memorable moments in Oscar history. His passing is a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry, and our thoughts go out to his family."

Cates' most memorable contributions to the Oscar telecasts arguably were the hosts who took the stage on his watch. He was responsible for first bringing hosts Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, David Letterman, Steve Martin, Chris Rock and Jon Stewart to Oscar's stage, the Academy explained.